The Universal Truth in Education: It is the right and responsibility of parents to direct the education and upbringing of their children

The Founders and leaders of Liberty Common School share a genuine concern for both the general decline in the quality of American public-education and the preparation of American students to live free and compete well in a dynamic economy. Our remedy is Liberty Common School and the philosophy described herein.

The mission of LCS is to provide excellence and fairness in education for school children through a common foundation by successfully teaching a contextual body of organized knowledge, the skills of learning including higher order thinking, and the values of a democratic society.

LCS rejects the anti-intellectual traditions that have become so prevalent in American schools and colleges, particularly colleges of education. We find fault with the progressive, romantic theories of education that have come to dominate American education systems. One's economic and social status, race, physical attributes, and other conditions become less relevant in the pursuit of happiness when armed with superb intellectual aptitude oriented toward true freedom.

LCS recognizes the value of inclusiveness so students from all backgrounds can benefit from the school’s educational offering. LCS acknowledges the leadership of teachers in the classroom and recognizes the responsibility of each student for his/her academic effort.

DECLARATION OF PRINCIPLES

• Children yearn for meaning and require a basis of solid contextual common knowledge for the development of mature literacy and critical thinking, for growth and communication in a diverse society.

• The educational “playing field” between students of differing backgrounds should be level to provide all students a basis to the greatest degree practicable, upon which they can build further knowledge and develop the skills necessary to communicate and succeed.

• The skills of learning–reading, writing, speaking, calculation, and higher order thinking–are most meaningfully learned from a combination of the knowledge or content of the curriculum, modeling, coaching, and sensible practice.

• To thrive in work, citizenship, and personal growth, children must be taught the values of a democratic society. These values include Respect for others-their property and rights; Responsibility-for actions, honesty, and social justice; Resourcefulness-being ready to learn, serve, and share.

• Inclusiveness is fundamental in responding to the diverse needs of children and raising academic standards. All parents, regardless of economic status, should be free to choose this educational program for their children.

• Teachers are professionals, which implies considerable autonomy, mastery, and independence. Having accepted the academic and philosophic mission of a school, the teacher needs to be free to exercise informed judgment to fulfill his/her primary role as an educator.

• The principal determinants of individual academic success are individual ability and effort. The policies of Liberty (grading, discipline, homework, teaching) must support the student’s adoption of a personal quest for academic growth using the clearly marked path of expectations in knowledge, skill, and character. The guiding philosophy of Liberty acknowledges that children can and should be held accountable for their own school work and behavior with the support of teachers and parents.

The educational philosophy described herein represents an abridged sketch of LCS’s guiding precepts—a comprehensive version would necessitate a dedicated literary publication.

Educational Philosophy